Harriet Tubman’s Revered Legacy Thrives
Many are familiar with Harriet Tubman’s narrative as a freedom-seeker and conductor on the Underground Railroad, and she is rightfully hailed as a beacon of courage. While her origin story begins in Dorchester County, Maryland where she was born Araminta “Minty” Ross, her journey continued in Cayuga County, specifically in Auburn, NY. This is where she chose to spend more than 50 years of her life, was married, owned property and would be laid to rest.
As we step forth into 2025 – 203 years since Harriet Tubman was born – we’ve seen that her impact continues to transcend textbooks and lessons taught in the classroom.
Her legacy continues to be acknowledged through various mediums, reinforcing that the work of this unrelenting advocate for liberty and equal rights is here to stay:
- On screen: In recent years, Harriet Tubman’s life and connection to the Underground Railroad have been depicted in mainstream films and television shows, including 2017’s Underground, and 2019’s Harriet.
- As art: Wesley Wofford’s sculpture, “The Journey to Freedom,” which portrays Harriet Tubman and a young child on a freedom expedition, began traveling the country in 2020 and is currently booking into 2025. Additionally, in 2022, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) debuted a bronze statue at its headquarters to honor her service as a spy and scout during the Civil War. Locally, there are a variety of art pieces – from statues to murals to a mosaic – that pay tribute to Ms. Tubman.
- Decorated with new honors: During a Veterans Day ceremony in 2024, Harriet Tubman was named a brigadier general by the Maryland National Guard, for her groundbreaking role as the first woman in U.S. history to lead a military expedition.
- Commemorated on U.S. currency: In 2024, the U.S. Mint issued a limited edition series of $5 gold coins to celebrate the life of Harriet Tubman. Discussions around Tubman replacing Andrew Jackson on the U.S. $20 bill are also continuing.
In light of this renewed and enduring interest in Harriet Tubman, her life and her contributions, we encourage you to walk in her footsteps by visiting the historic landmarks connected to her life’s path, including:
- Harriet Tubman Home: Tour her property and gain deeper insight into the life she lived before and while settling in Cayuga County. It is here where her residential home, barn and the Tubman Home for the Aged and Indigent Negroes stand.
- Harriet Tubman National Historical Park: Walk through this recently restored house of worship is where Tubman attended service for 22 years, she was married, and her funeral service was held.
- Fort Hill Cemetery. Visit Harriet Tubman’s final resting place and pay respect to this incredible woman who continues to shake the grounds she one walked. Other notable figures, including her confidants William and Frances Seward, and Martha Coffin Wright, are also buried here.
As you begin planning your travel for 2025, include a visit to Cayuga County in your plans.
And while Black History Month, Harriet Tubman Day and Juneteenth are all timely reasons to visit and celebrate the legacy of Black trailblazers, it’s always a great time to experience the rich history in Harriet Tubman’s chosen hometown.
Be sure to keep an eye on our events page for information on upcoming events as they develop!